FTC clears way for Kroger, Harris Teeter deal

The Federal Trade Commission has cleared the way for the merger between Kroger and Harris Teeter.

Earlier this month, the FTC granted early termination of the waiting period, allowing the companies to move toward an end-of-January closing date on the $2.5 billion deal.

Kroger announced that it would buy the smaller Harris Teeter chain in July. Hampton Roads is only one of four areas where the two store banners overlap. It has been unclear to date how Harris Teeter stores will change under Kroger Co. ownership. Kroger operates seven stores in Hampton Roads. Harris Teeter operates 13 in the area.